You Can’t Catch Waves From The Beach

When I was working out West for the summer, a group of us took a long weekend off and drove to Tofino, British Columbia. The beaches of Tofino are known for the best surfing in Canada.

After renting surfboards and wetsuits, the instructor taught us how to get up on the board. We laid our boards on the beach and practiced popping up onto our feet.

After doing it a dozen or so times he said we were ready.

I hardly felt ready, having only practiced the necessary moves for less than 10 minutes.

He could tell we were hesitant to get in the water.

“You can’t catch waves from the beach.”

And with that final line of coaching, he turned around and began walking back to his van.

I think of this moment whenever I’m faced with a challenge that I feel unprepared for.

There is always another blog post, YouTube video, or book to read on the subject.

But until you actually begin to put in the work, you’ll never understand what it actually feels like to take the plunge.

I’ve found this to be especially true with starting a podcast and writing in public.

I’ve learned more by actually doing the work than from reading about it.

You could practice on the beach for months. But until you actually get in the water, you’ll never experience what it really feels like to surf.

Sometimes you're better off just getting wet.

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